Long-time coach has published a book entitled Progressive Training for the UK Middle-Distance Track Events
There are few coaches in Britain with such a long history and encyclopaedic knowledge of middle-distance running.
The Manchester-based coach, who guided the careers of athletes such as Ann Griffiths, Michael Rimmer, Kevin McKay, Tom Lancashire and others, has written a sizeable and technical guide to getting the most out of yourself as an 800m or 1500m runner.
He says it is “aimed at senior athletes and developing coaches plus those coaches who are looking for new approaches to training”.
The early part of the book helps define various types of middle-distance runners before going on to detail the annual training that each type of runner should ideally do. The level the book is pitched at is very good club ability and budding international standard. You will also struggle to find a similar book that goes into such detail.
When Poole arranged for AW to see a copy to review, he apologised for the near 300 pages of size. “After 48 years of continuous coaching, I have quite a lot to write about!” he said.
During that time his athletes have won 20 UK outdoor titles from 800m to 5000m and 34 medals in total.
In addition to the above, there is an analysis of events at UK and world level together with contributions from Dr John Rogers, consultant physician in sport who has overseen the healthcare of many recent GB teams at the major games; Dr Laurence Birdsey, an exercise physiologist from Manchester Metropolitan University; plus Mike Harris, the Manchester-based coaching stalwart.
“The book has come about from my role as the President of the British Milers Club,” adds Poole, “and the feedback I receive from coaches concerning the current lack of meaningful performance related courses available in the UK for the middle-distance events.”
David Lowes, BMC secretary, says: “This is a book that encompasses previously unwritten middle-distance practices. It’s probably more for the highly qualified coach but just as relevant to the wannabe coach… Recommended for those who want to advance themselves and their athletes to the next level.”
Tim Brennan, co-chair of the BMC, adds: “Norman’s evidence based approach to training planning is the most comprehensive I have ever seen in meeting the individual needs of all middle-distance athletes.”
You can buy Poole’s book here.
